Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX on Floats Completes Testing

Shayla Silva

Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 10:23 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Wipaire has completed certification flight testing for its Wipline 8750 floats on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, making the longer EX model float-equipped for the first time thanks to its powerful engine.
The float package has successfully passed FAA Type Inspection Authorization, with full certification expected in July.
The amphibious floats add 255 pounds, resulting in a 9,062-pound gross weight with no landing limitation, and preliminary data indicates strong takeoff and climb performance.

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The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX on Wipline 8750 floats has completed certification flight testing and performance testing, Wipaire announced on Tuesday. The float-equipped airplane also completed FAA Type Inspection Authorization this week, with certification of the float package expected this July.

For years, the short-body Cessna 208A models have been the only Caravans equipped with floats. That has changed, however, with the new EX model, thanks to the additional power provided by the 867 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-140.